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Friday, Mar 29, 2024

SPECIAL REPORT: Runner Has Track Record

Managing Partner, KPMG LLP, Woodland Hills office Years at firm: 17 Residence: Woodland Hills What is tax time like at your firm? Tax season means long hours for everyone, but a sense of camaraderie is built among the team and when it ends there is a great sense of accomplishment. What is one tax reform change you would make? That answer is easy – lower the U.S. corporate tax rate in a way that is fiscally responsible and makes U.S. businesses stronger. We have the highest statutory corporate tax rate among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. That makes it harder for U.S. companies to compete globally and for foreign companies to invest here. How has accounting changed during your career? The use of technology has significantly impacted the techniques our clients utilize to monitor and analyze their business as well as the manner in which we perform our audits and add value to our clients. The advent of data and analytics (D&A) will play an important and impactful role in shaping the industry in the coming years as our clients begin to integrate D&A into their organizations. The accounting profession has only just scratched the surface in this area. Has your firm expanded beyond traditional accounting services? KPMG helps organizations create sustainable business value and manage risk by enhancing their financial and operational structures. Specifically, our advisory professionals help address complex marketplace dynamics, leverage opportunities for growth, exploit evolving technologies, and adapt to regulatory shifts through a variety of services designed to help take advantage of change instead of merely reacting to it. What is your your firm’s primary specialty? Beyond traditional audit and tax services, we offer a number of relevant advisory services. Among them are services in the areas of information protection, business resilience and identity management, mergers and acquisitions, risk management, regulatory compliance, contract compliance, Sarbanes-Oxley and internal audit compliance and operating effectiveness. Who are your typical clients? KPMG serves a wide range of clients – from Fortune 1000 companies to middle-market clients and the smallest entrepreneurs. The industries we serve are across the board, ranging from tech and financial services to government entities. How do you recruit young accountants? KPMG offers a robust intern program that attracts top college talent by offering a true job experience, competitive salary, quality training, mentoring relationships, global rotations, and the chance to build their network. What was the worst day of your career? Truth be told, I haven’t had a “worst day” moment. If anything, my first day with KPMG was when I was the most nervous having just graduated from UC Berkeley, but my mentor and colleagues quickly put me at ease and made me feel like I belonged. I’ll never forget that. What was the best day of your career? The best days of my career have been when the professionals that I’ve worked with and mentored over the years earn a promotion at KPMG. Nothing else comes close and I look forward to many more of those days in the future! Is there something personal your colleagues don’t know about you? I’m an avid runner with the Boston Marathon at the top of my bucket list. What career advice do you like to give? Put yourself in challenging situations outside of your comfort zone as often as you can. – Champaign Williams

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